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Fall Care for Fido

October 01, 2017

Fall is a beautiful time of year here in Colorado. The crisp weather, changing foliage, and seasonal trappings all have their own special charm. Unfortunately, autumn can also be quite dangerous for our canine pals. A Fort Collins, CO vet discusses fall care for dogs in this article.

Walks

This is a beautiful time of year to take a long, relaxing stroll with your furry buddy. Just be sure to avoid areas where wild animals may be lurking. Many animals are preparing to hibernate at this time of year, and could be grumpier than usual.

Household Dangers

In autumn, many people fill their cars with antifreeze, and also prep their lawns and gardens for winter by adding fertilizers and other products. This is also a popular time of year for people to set out pesticides and rodenticides. These chemicals are all highly toxic to dogs, so take care not to expose your pet to them.

Playtime

Autumn’s weather is great for playing Fetch with Fido. Just don’t let your furry pal play in leaf piles, as sometimes snakes or other wild animals make nests in them. Mold and bacteria are also a concern.

Halloween

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays, so it’s no wonder people like to get their pets involved. If you put your pup in a costume, make sure it doesn’t restrict his movements or vision, and isn’t itchy or uncomfortable. Avoid anything with small parts that Fido may try to eat. We also recommend keeping your dog indoors as much as possible near the autumn holiday, as the increased traffic can be both dangerous and upsetting to dogs. Last but not least, keep all candles, decorations, and candy well out of paw’s reach.

Fall Cleaning

This is a great time of year to go through your dog’s belongings, and get rid of anything that is old or worn. If Fido wears sweaters, make sure they are all clean and that they still fit him well. Give your canine pal’s bedding a good cleaning, too. When you start getting winter supplies, choose pet-friendly deicing products.

Diet

Some dogs may need to eat a bit more in cold weather. Ask your vet for specific advice on Fido’s winter diet.